VISUAL ARTS

SENIOR SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION

The 2023 Senior School Art Exhibition was held on Wednesday 15 November at our McKinnon Road Campus. The exhibition was a triumph of student engagement and talent, featuring outstanding works by Years 10, 11 and 12 students. I congratulate each and every student for their endeavor, persistence and for giving us such rich artworks to enjoy and wonder at. 

In particular, I would like to congratulate all subject award winners, and the recipients of the 2023 Acquisition Awards Daniel Yoo 11P, Sofija Lukac 11I and Linh Tong 11O. We would also like to congratulate Heidi Robertson-Reid 12K and Nefeli Tsichla-Theodosiou 11O who also won the Principal’s Acquisition Award. Their work will be displayed in Mr Kan’s offices. 

We were very fortunate to have Pamela Irving attend our opening night and speak to our award winners and guests about her experiences as a practicing Artist. Pamela is a prominent Melbourne-based and internationally recognised Artist, whose studio and Gallery is located close to home, in Bentleigh. Continuing a new McKinnon tradition, Pamela was asked to pick one artwork which she felt stood out. This Guest’s Choice award was given to Isabel Tripp 12M for her sculpture titled Decay. 

Additionally, on opening night, guests were asked to vote on a People’s Choice award. I’m very happy to announce that the student receiving this award is Heidi Robertson-Reid, for her artwork titled Swan Song. Congratulations Heidi!   

We have a tradition of excellence in the Visual Arts at McKinnon, which is made possible by a commitment to shared curricular goals and the creativity, sensitivity and resourcefulness of our teachers and Visual Art student leaders from both campuses. I’d like to extend a very sincere congratulations to our McKinnon Road Campus team, Art Captains and Principal class team for their dedication and support for the Visual Arts. 

I would also like to thank the people who worked behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly, including the Music, Audio and Communications teams at McKinnon, as well as Mara Karro who volunteered her time to help on the night. Lastly, a formal thank you to our generous sponsors, Atelier Art Supplies, Zart Art and Benn’s Books.

In saying all this the year, from a Visual Arts perspective, is nowhere near over!

We are excitedly looking forward to two more school events this year. Firstly, the Junior Art Show, which will be held on Monday 4 December.

Secondly, we are thrilled to announce that we will be working with local Artist Anthony Breslin to design a Year 9 Mural at the East Campus as part of a joint Wisdom and Service and Visual Arts initiative. More information about this project is to come! 

Peter Eglezos

Visual Arts Learning Area Manager

ART CREATIVE PRACTICE 2023

I want to congratulate the students of Art Creative Practice Units 3 & 4. Both classes comprised some of the most unique individuals I have ever taught. This uniqueness is evident in the creation of your final artworks. The personal and artistic inspiration behind each piece has forged a special connection with the audience. 

I have had many people approach me to express their impression and inspiration drawn from your artworks. From Peggy Quaife’s 12J laser-cut artwork depicting AI's limitations in capturing the multifaceted nature of the human condition to Nefeli Tsichla-Theodosiou’s 11O oil painting and pastel on canvas expressing her personal immigration story, each artwork resonated with viewers. Art transcends mere aesthetic appeal; it reveals aspects of ourselves and offers insight into the lives and minds of the students who create it.

As I reflect on all the artwork and the considerable time, energy, and effort you have all invested, I am immensely proud. You have achieved so much this year, and I am confident that you will continue to do so in the future.

Katherine Sip

Art Teacher